Radio, What's that? No, I don't listen to the radio
much! Ya see the radio in my truck is broke, and the ol'lady gave the one from
the kitchen to the rugrats, and they smashed it flat with a hammer..... Sound
familiar?
OR, are you one of those folks who just can't stand the format on the local
"Cash Register" radio stations. You know what I mean. The same 5
songs over and over, hour after hour.... and commercials! The voice coming from
the radio speaker should probably say "All commercials, All the time, on
Rock Radio 105".
Some of you might even believe that the extra 12 square inches of space
occupied by your car radio could be put to better use, like maybe a computer
controlled Nitrous Oxide regulator, or maybe even a "James Bond"
oil-slick, and ejection seat panel. Some of you may even have a radio on your
bike. That 12 square inches of space on the bagger might just suit you better
as a container for the "Rude Codger Brick", than as an electronic
rain and wash water collector, with built in stereo cassette.
ENTER 102.1 FM,
Temple Terrace Community Radio, Tampa Bay's Party Pirate CRAVEN MOOREHEAD! No
more endless hours of repeated, worn out music. No more tired Dee Jays playing
what the PD in the plush office down the hall TELLS them to play. NO more
continuous commercial format interrupted by brief redundant musical
intermissions. And NOW, after all these years, finally, a radio program that
deals with the issues of interest to BIKERS!
Born to Ride radio took to the air on
Wednesday nights at 6PM on 102.1FM.
A program hosted by, written by, produced by, and aired by BIKERS for BIKERS.
News, music, and information pertaining to OUR life-style, brought to you by
veteran riders from our community. Even you, the person who draws strange looks
from the citizens in front of the drugstore, as your 22 inch over springer
appears at the corner, and after a seeming eternity the rest of the machine
goes by thunderously blowing dust and noise on their community forum. No matter
what you ride, from a new Road King to a Vespa, you now have a connection to an
alternative media, which will allow you the same freedom of expression you seek
on the road, ON THE AIR!
What I want to talk about is the effect computers and the Internet have on the
media. Radio in particular has been getting a lot of press lately as it marches
forward in the effort to broadcast via computer. Even the Trib had an article
about "web-casting" recently. What? High technology coming to Tampa??
No WAY man!! Anyway, I just thought I would let you know, that even 102.1 has
intentions of broadcasting over the Internet. We wouldn't want to be left in
the dust!
On the issue of computers, and technology.......... The computer age has
affected many of us. Just look at the new ignition control stuff on your new
Dyna, or Heritage. Yeah, some of 'em even have fuel injection--controled by
some tiny little microchip, manufactured in the depths of a cleanroom in a
factory in Osaka Japan! All of this stuff is probably over most of our heads,
or, we just take it for granted, and go on with our life not noticing the
changeing world around us. These small changes for the happiness of some, and
the madness of others! Being in a tecnoentertainment business myself, I kinda
like 'ride the line' between genius, and madman. Although I understand the
workings of this kinda stuff, it drives me friggin' crazy when something won't
work right!
I remember the good ole' days of being able to go for a good days ride and only
having to pack a set of points, a spare masterlink, some bailing wire & a
couple of bucks for gas. Not anymore! I assure you that you will need a pick-up
truck or a rope when yer fancy computerized fuel injection system decides to
take a vacation to the homeland when you're in the middle of bumfuck!
This brings me to the part about having fun. I deal with all kinds of folks in
my business. Some good some bad, some just plain silly. I was on the way to my
shop the other day, and noticed some FCC agents hanging around in the field
near my radio station, with a gadget in their hands. I stopped for a friendly
chat, and was suprized to hear that one of the local big-cash radio stations
had again complained about our community radio operation. Not suprized at this
I proceeded to remind them of their Congressional charge as Federal
employees...... "To regulate the airwaves fairly for ALL people,
regardless of their financial condition." Realizing their cover was blown,
they split the scene for a whileand I went on down the road. (Now for the fun
part) I have learned that one of the most important things you can carry in
your saddlebags, or other location in the vehicle of choice, is a Polaroid
camera! Not one of those expensive things, just a cheap-ass model 600 or
something! These are always useful at runs, parties, and if you get lucky, they
can provide hours of endless fun at the no-tell Motel with that hardbelly you
just scored at your favorite waterin' hole!!!!
On with the fun......One day I recieved a call from the station that some goons
were running up and down the street with some type of "box" in their
hands. Being only blocks away from the scene, I went to check it out. Imagine
the suprize of those "secret" agents when the 102.1 fm remote van
came screeching' to a stop next to their car and I start taking rapid fire
Polaroid pictures of them! These guys usually don't have a good sence of humor,
but I actually was able to get one of them to kinda' pose for the
shots!......By the time I left I was laughing so hard i couldn't see! But
HEY!!! That's what WE pay those guys for.......Entertainment!
TO BE CONTINUED..................
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